FLORAL OIL PAINTING GALLERY
I have been painting florals for more than a decade, from early 2012 until present. The original images are derived from my own photographic source material, edited and combined to produce complex compositions. All works are on wood or linen mounted panels, and executed using 16th century Flemish painting techniques. Nearly all works average 24 x 36 inches in size. After the drawing is transferred to the prepared panel, the painting progresses in stages from imprimatura, to underpainting. The overpainting is uses an expanded color palette, non-toxic solvents and special oil mediums (go to Studio Notes page to learn more), and a variety of high-quality brushes. Paintings are completed in daily sessions lasting from two to four weeks from photography to actual painting to final varnish.
“Paul’s floral paintings transport you into another dimension of reality, where “stopping to smell the roses” isn’t just a suggestion but a requirement for engaging with the work. Your eyes scan over the imagery being forced in and out of focus, leaving no chance that you will mistake the most important subject matter on view. For example, the petals often have curves and turns that are other worldly, bending in every direction more gracefully than a ballerina. And while we have all seen and marveled at beautiful flowers, it’s the permanence of Paul’s flowers that really speaks to me. They are akin to delicate porcelain sculptures in the way that they won’t wilt, fade, or lose petals in the coming days.” — Julie Weaver, artist & writer